Service, study and life on the SMP pathway

Australian Lutheran College has a diverse group of students who are on a pastoral ministry journey. One such student is Stefan Volejnik, who is currently enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Divinity.

Stefan is currently working in full time ministry as the Youth and Families Coordinator at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Buderim. He is in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program and on the path to being ordained so that he can serve as a pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The LCAQD reached out to Stefan and asked him to share a little about himself via some Q&A:

Where did your faith journey begin?

I have been part of a Christian family my whole life and faith has always been a part of my journey. However, I would say that my walk with Jesus came to the surface as something important to me through attending a youth camp in high school. Being mentored and cared for by some amazing Christians showed me what it was like to truly live a life of faith, and I felt drawn to step into that life because of them.

Were you raised Lutheran?

Coming from the Czech Republic, my family and came through several different denominational spaces as I grew up, including the Brethren church, Baptist and others. After attending a Lutheran school for a while, I found my church home at Immanuel and have been a part of the Lutheran Church since.

When did you first sense a call to ministry?

I never thought I would end up in pastoral ministry! While I was working as an audio engineer, and continuing to volunteer as a youth leader, the Youth Coordinator role at Immanuel became vacant. After ‘umming and ahhing’ for almost a whole year, I felt that God was calling me to apply and step into a new area of vocation.

At this point I didn’t even consider the possibility of further study and training to become a pastor, but through encouragement from Ps Dan (Mueller), and plenty of prayer, I stepped into this next part of my journey and have been thoroughly enjoying it. As my first foray into tertiary academic studies in earnest (my previous study had a big focus on practical work), I was not certain of what to expect from studying with ALC. Through my studies however, I have found great joy and encouragement and have been well supported throughout.

How has your involvement at Immanuel shaped your journey?

Being connected to one community for almost 20 years now has provided a wonderful foundation of faith, as well as a passion for deep involvement and care for those in this congregation. It is wonderful to see how God works through our many seasons of life, and how His church can adapt and evolve, while keeping the Gospel at its core.

Who helped you recognise your gifts for ministry?

In particular, my mentor Ps Dan, has encouraged me greatly in pursuing further study and discerning my call into the pastoral ministry. Having someone to encourage and teach me, as well as providing ways to learn ‘on-the-job’ has been deeply important and valued.

Why did you choose the SMP pathway?

While my process started before the recent changes to the SMP pathway, having the opportunity to study online and with face-to-face intensives at my own pace made this pathway possible. The staff at ALC have done a fantastic job to maintain opportunities for connection between students, and to make study possible for such a diverse group of people.

Aside from the benefit of gaining invaluable knowledge, the College has revealed in me a love for theological and Biblical studies, in ways which directly impact and inform my own ministry and work. With a strong focus on applying learning to our own contexts, I have not only developed my theological and personal understanding of who God is and what Christ has done, but have felt encouraged always to consider the question: ‘How does this impact my work, and inform my own interactions with my neighbours?’

As someone who could not have conceived of returning to academia so soon, I would encourage others to consider the potential of study with Australian Lutheran College as more than developing knowledge or understanding, but as a space to encounter the Word of God, a call to be transformed by our learning, and an environment to consider, question, and discover who God calls us to be.

Enrolments for 2027 open in November so contact ALC now to speak with someone about your study options. Email: enquiries@alc.edu.au or free call 1800  625 193. Scholarships are available.